Miata Turbo Forum - Boost cars, acquire cats.

Miata Turbo Forum - Boost cars, acquire cats. (https://www.miataturbo.net/)
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-   -   93' Miata stolen and flipped build thread (https://www.miataturbo.net/build-threads-57/93-miata-stolen-flipped-build-thread-75474/)

ScottyP3821 02-21-2014 10:40 AM

If your interested in door handle Ideas. I used amp handles (like from a guitar amp) and they have worked great for a year now and stay flat against the door when not in use.

Jeffbucc 02-21-2014 01:20 PM

6 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by 18psi (Post 1104640)
I never seen anyone bondo plastic interior panels before. Really cool. I usually just replace them lol

I would as well but I figured $10 of Bondo is cheaper than a 200+ center console.

I really really really want the Nakamae one, but $700 is punch you in the left testicle territory.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393006814

I am really happy with how it turned out though. It looks absolutely gorgeous. We'll see how well the paint holds up over time, but for now, I am perfectly happy with having this in my car.

It was scary painting it though. It literally took me about 10 coats to get a good even blackness. That primer really showed through. ESPECIALLY with all the nooks and crannies in the part itself. Was so hard to get even coverage without getting a drip while hitting the deep crevices.

Was it worth the time invested to get it to this point? I'm not sure, but it saved me heaps of money over getting a new/used one.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393006814

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393006814

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393006814

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393006814

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393006814

18psi 02-21-2014 01:27 PM

that looks glorious. just make sure never to use any of those interior detail sprays or cleaners on it

Jeffbucc 02-21-2014 01:32 PM


Originally Posted by 18psi (Post 1104773)
that looks glorious. just make sure never to use any of those interior detail sprays or cleaners on it

Yeah that is the only thing I don't like about painting high wear plastic. probably really fragile in the long run.

How well has yours held up in your wife's car?


Originally Posted by Okibi (Post 1104632)
Stunning, glad to see your build featured here:
NA MX5 nut-and-bolt OCD rebuild | Build Threads

I'm kind of ashamed to admit that I am the one that submitted it to him. I figured, why not, the least he can do is say no it isn't good enough!:loser:

The site owner is a really nice guy.

18psi 02-21-2014 01:35 PM

I dunno, I did it right before selling the car :giggle:

Jeffbucc 02-21-2014 01:38 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by 18psi (Post 1104784)
I dunno, I did it right before selling the car :giggle:

Attachment 239337

:bowrofl: increase resale value by $200!

That small stuff really helps with your resale price. People don't know that just by adding trim restore to all your black exterior trim pieces it makes your car look 10x better in the ad.

rleete 02-21-2014 02:12 PM

This car belongs in a museum.

Jeffbucc 02-21-2014 02:22 PM


Originally Posted by rleete (Post 1104806)
This car belongs in a museum.

It deserves to be driven!

EO2K 02-21-2014 02:33 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by Jeffbucc (Post 1104785)
That small stuff really helps with your resale price. People don't know that just by adding trim restore to all your black exterior trim pieces it makes your car look 10x better in the ad.

This stuff?
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393011196

Jeffbucc 02-21-2014 02:40 PM


Originally Posted by EO2K (Post 1104819)

This stuff?

I don't really like turtle products but essentially yeah. The bees knees as far as I'm concerned is Adams Super VRT. Detailers domain carries it and it lasts forever, can be used as a tire dressing, is water proof, doesn't attract road grime, and isn't super shiny like most products. I've tried pretty much all of them and it is the easiest to apply, last the longest, doesn't smell bad, and restores pretty much everything back to factory.

Anything plastic or rubber you've seen me recondition in this thread; VRT was used...you know, after copious amounts of scrubbing and degriming.

EO2K 02-21-2014 02:42 PM

Kickass, thanks man :bigtu:

karter74 02-21-2014 05:53 PM

Jeff, to echo everyone else, your attention to detail is second to none and very awe inspiring. Seeing what you have accomplished really motivates me to get out and "refurbish" parts on my car that I hadn't considered before.

To help some of us new guys on getting started "refinishing", would you mind making a quick list of products you've used/recommend for the various jobs? I know I would love to make a list of quick "go to" products for specific jobs.

Truly impressive work, keep it up!

turbofan 02-21-2014 06:18 PM

Glad you submitted it to build threads. Once you complete it I'll submit it anywhere.

hornetball 02-21-2014 07:34 PM


Originally Posted by hornetball (Post 1070735)
If you've stripped this far, it would be a shame not to respray.

Post #226. First push on Jeff to completely give in to his OCD. I'm so proud of myself. :D

Jeffbucc 02-21-2014 09:30 PM

3 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by karter74 (Post 1104886)
Jeff, to echo everyone else, your attention to detail is second to none and very awe inspiring. Seeing what you have accomplished really motivates me to get out and "refurbish" parts on my car that I hadn't considered before.

To help some of us new guys on getting started "refinishing", would you mind making a quick list of products you've used/recommend for the various jobs? I know I would love to make a list of quick "go to" products for specific jobs.

Truly impressive work, keep it up!

Glad I can provide inspiration! I like it when I see DIY guides, be it car/computer/bike/phone etc. etc., that make me want to go out and do exactly what I just read, so I'm glad I can do the same
When I have some time this weekend I'll type up a list of stuff I have used during this build. It is a lot of products, so I don't want to do it till I have time to sit back and relax.


Originally Posted by turbofan (Post 1104898)
Glad you submitted it to build threads. Once you complete it I'll submit it anywhere.

Hah, thanks, I just randomly submitted it not thinking much of it till he responded I'm putting it on the site now! Pretty cool.

Originally Posted by hornetball (Post 1104918)
Post #226. First push on Jeff to completely give in to his OCD. I'm so proud of myself. :D

Yup I blame you and Vlad for not allowing me to half-ass it and wrap it in vinyl like I originally was going to. I think back to that choice now and question my rational at the time. Thanks for the physical and mental debilitation asshole!:giggle:

So I know you guys wanted me to go leather on the door cards and the upper door card pad, but I honestly kinda wanted to try something a little different for now. Maybe later when I can justify spending that much on leather I'll go that route, but I still have all the wiring issues I need to order connectors/wiring/crimpers etc etc for. I need to keep some kind of budget on track!:facepalm: So what I went for is basically alcantra, but without the huge price tag of alcantra. It is called "super suede", or basically a synthetic suede that is almost exactly alcantra, just with a different name.

I bought a variety that they use on expensive luxury cars that is used for headliners. The upholstery shop pretty much gave me enough to do 8 door cards for $40. I think I was being a nuisance with all the questions I was asking and they just wanted to kick me out as fast as possible.:rofl:. The cool thing about this variety of Super Suede(henceforth will be shortened to "S.S." is that it has a built in 1/8" foam backing/padding on it. So I don't need to mess with attaching a backing to the door cards! Takes a lot of the work out of the equation.

Looks pretty dirty in the pictures since it has been sitting in the upholstery shop for a while. Someone reserved it for their Porsche and never brought their car in to put it on, so he just held on to it. It has a great texture to it. SUPER soft, and easy to clean as well. I think I'm going to like it. Plus it is a little different from what most people do so that is nice as well. I'm a unique snowflake!:loser:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393036233

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393036233

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393036233

So I'll try and get this done tonight.

What sayest ya'll. Keep the red door pulls and just shorten them up? OR put the stock door handles back on. I'll be putting on the door handles I received from Revlimiter on the door, so I'm not sure which route I want to go. The red door pulls just didn't have a good confidence inspiring door latch feel to them.

turbofan 02-21-2014 10:20 PM

I vote that stuff as freaking awesome, and that you put the stock handles back on.

No wait -- door pulls.

No, door handles.

I'm undecided :/

Jeffbucc 02-22-2014 02:01 AM

9 Attachment(s)
Man this fabric is hard to photograph. Looks weird in the photos but it looks amazing in person. Probably some white balance issues I am having with the camera.

Decided to polish off the center console and make my arm pad rest to cover up the nasty oem one that was all dented and...well...badness.

Not going to go into way too much detail since I think Adam covers it pretty thoroughly on his website.(revlimiter.net - Padded Leather Armrest)

But I did alter it a tiny bit for my own satisfaction of hiding the ugly part of the job.

Basically grab some foam backing/padding from any craft store you have in your area(joanns walmart et al).

Cut it to the shape of the arm rest and add/remove layers to fit how thick you want your pad. Cut the edges at an angle to give it a nice curved look, and spray adhesive on it and carefully attach it to the arm pad. Careful when doing this, when the foam touches the adhesive spray...it ain't coming off.

Grab your tools. Bagels are tools. Especially Everything bagels and their crack like substance they contain.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393052500

One thing to note. You will be pulling the fabric tight, so it will compress the padding material. So go a little thicker than you think looks "right". Makes it so you can add a little more comfort to the pad.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393052500

I started at the shorter ends and pulled it taught and threw a couple staples down for a good starting point. When you get your starting point, work from the starting point and don't tack it down anywhere else. If you don't pull from the starting point then you'll get the fabric bunching up a ton and won't be able to get rid of all the creases.

I started as I said on the short side and went down the left long side and then the right long side. and then played around with pulling the fabric taught in several places on the last side, to find the best way to avoid bunching.

I didn't get any photos of the process since I got kinda in the zone, but you can see what I mean.

Also, when you are about to staples a section down, move your stapler a little higher than where you want to put the staple, and then drag the stapler down to help pull it even tighter, then lay a staple down.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393052500

At that point you are done, but if you want to clean up the underside a little to hide the staples and the cut ends of the fabric. Grab either some black athletic tape/electrical tape, or in my case some anti friction tape. This stuff is really tacky and makes it easy to adhere it to anything. I mostly use it for wiring and covering up rattle points, but it worked perfect for this job.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393052500

and bolt everything back together and you are good to go! Turned out great and is super comfy.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393052500

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393052500

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393052500

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393052500

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393052500

Boom baby.

turbofan 02-22-2014 02:06 AM

I like how taut you were able to get it :) Looks awesome. I like the contrast of textures.

Jeffbucc 02-22-2014 02:13 AM


Originally Posted by turbofan (Post 1104984)
I like how taut you were able to get it :) Looks awesome. I like the contrast of textures.

As do I, it probably would look better if it was leather but I'm happy with it.

It seriously only took me like an hour to do it. I'm surprised people buy those fugly looking pads from vendors. This is cheaper and so easy you can't really screw it up.

Padding was $5
If you bought the material I used another $5
I'm sure most have a staple gun but if not it is like $10 at most at a hardware store.

so $20 and an hour of your time give or take total.

Yezzir 02-22-2014 03:03 AM

Oooh, nice suede! I wonder how many pounds you've added with all your paint! :P

Jeffbucc 02-22-2014 04:32 AM

5 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by Yezzir (Post 1104986)
Oooh, nice suede! I wonder how many pounds you've added with all your paint! :P

In the cycling world we would laugh and call you a weight weenie.:rofl:

:dealwithit:

I don't just paint over old paint. Look through the thread, I strip everything down to bare metal before I paint. ;)

I'm not loosing sleep over it. Look at the sound deadening I put in if you want to talk about weight.

What I am loosing sleep over is the last of the console. I wanted to add a nice layer at the bottom of the pockets for my phone and anything else that likes to turn into a rattle death trap. I have these felt inserts in my VW and it does wonders for things rolling about/rattling. Didn't take very long at all.

I did add velcro to the back of it so that I wouldn't have to cut a hole for the screw holes. Not the nancy velcro, but industrial application velcro. Very strong, very sticky. Pro tip: If you use some heat lamps or a heat gun and heat the back of the adhesive up before you apply it you get a much stronger bond.

Looks really good, but my camera is making it look really bad.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393061560

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393061560

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393061560

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393061560

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393061560

Onwards and upwards.

Yezzir 02-22-2014 05:52 AM

lol weight weenie... i was kidding about the weight. it'll be an amazing ride nonetheless.

I keep looking at the bottom right of the 4th pic...did you cut a little too much off?

Oscar 02-22-2014 06:10 AM

2 Attachment(s)
Goddamnit Jeff, you had one job!!!

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1393067373



Jk, I love this car. :dealwithit:

rleete 02-22-2014 08:07 AM

Amazing and amusing how things that would earn high praise in anyone else's thread get picked on.

That's an indication of just how high you've set the bar, Jeff.

curly 02-22-2014 09:25 AM

You'll wanna put the dash in before the center console FYI...

hornetball 02-22-2014 10:25 AM

I think that Suede looks great. However, I find on my car that the console armrest tends to collect a lot of sweat (I like driving top down in TX heat) and needs to be cleaned frequently. I hope it holds up. Even if it doesn't, looks like you can replace the material as needed in the future.

Jeffbucc 02-22-2014 12:56 PM


Originally Posted by curly (Post 1105026)
You'll wanna put the dash in before the center console FYI...

I just set it down in the car to visualise it ;)

I've turned you guys into monsters! Quick, put the cool-aid down and back away and save yourself before you get the cleaning twitch!

Jeffbucc 02-22-2014 03:38 PM

2 Attachment(s)
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393101532


Originally Posted by Yezzir (Post 1104993)
lol weight weenie... i was kidding about the weight. it'll be an amazing ride nonetheless.

I keep looking at the bottom right of the 4th pic...did you cut a little too much off?

I was joking too, I've removed so much additional weight though, it really isn't an issue, balances out in the end.

Fine I spent an extra 20 minutes to satisfy you bastards. Anything you see wrong with it is just the picture, it looks perfect in person! Especially the top middle right corner. Just a shadow.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393101532

Jeffbucc 02-22-2014 09:38 PM

10 Attachment(s)
Seems like I've done nothing today, but is has just been a lot of small tedious tasks to build to the whole.

Pulled the old vinyl off the upper door cards. I used a heat gun so that the vinyl would seperate from the factory foam, which was still in really good shape.

Sadly after I did that I noticed a lot of cracks in the plastic.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393123082

So I globbed a bunch of this stuff on the there and then dragged the glue flush with a razor blade. Shoe Goo is great to use for panels that flex like this since it is, well, highly flexible! Plus it is super durable too. I used to use it on all my climbing shoes when I'd blow a heel or toe. Never failed once.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393123082

went to assemble my door latches again and noticed a bunch of overspray on the parts. So I cleaned it all off.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393123082

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393123082

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393123082

Unfortunately when I went to clean the red lock plastic all the red came off....:facepalm:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393123082

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393123082

So I decided to repaint them and also repaint my push buttons on the seatbelts. I figured out how to disassemble the seat belt latch so I pulled it all apart and sanded it down smooth and repainted them.

Bad photo

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393123082

door locks

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393123082

seatbelts

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393123082

I also cut my door cards for the door lever assembly and once I can put it all back together I'll do a final cut and get it all snazzy so that I can start putting the S.S. on the lower door cards.

turbofan 02-23-2014 12:39 AM

Jeff... Jeff that's crazy... Wow.

Yezzir 02-23-2014 02:47 AM

2 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by Jeffbucc (Post 1105099)

Fine I spent an extra 20 minutes to satisfy you bastards. Anything you see wrong with it is just the picture, it looks perfect in person! Especially the top middle right corner. Just a shadow.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141658

Jeffbucc 02-23-2014 02:49 AM

24 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by turbofan (Post 1105183)
Jeff... Jeff that's crazy... Wow.

It was either that or leave them just black. Which yeah, I probably should have done...:rofl:


Ok my care package from Rspeed came in. As I was considering redoing the shift boot and and E-brake boot, they were having a sale on them so I picked them up cheaper than what it would cost me in time/materials.

First remove the trim ring on the old shift boot. Then scrape off the old glue and apply some super 77 spray adhesive to the TRIM RING ONLY. If you try to put it on the leather it will most like get some overspray on it. You could probably just use some super glue but I'm a huge fan of Super 77 spray adhesive.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141781

Then simply slide the leather in the trim ring and fold them over. Try to get a smooth wrap around the ring so there are no unnecessary creases.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141781

Then slide the holes over the tabs and push them all the way on.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141781

and all finished up

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141781

Also I got a new tombstone. Mine somehow cracked while I was working on it and I really didnt want to attempt gluing/bondo/sanding/primer/painting it. especially on a part that you touch a lot.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141781

Also I found out why one of my windows was really ratchety and wasn't sliding smoothly. I'm not sure how I overlooked this when the window was out last time, but the delrin replacements were only $10, so it wasn't the end of the world.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141781

Pull the windows out, I'm sure I don't need to touch on how. Remove the old window guide with a T-30 bit.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141781

Grab your new one and put the sprung washer in the top.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141781

Reinstall it and remember the threaded metal disc goes on the bottom. Remember, plastic only touches the window.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141781

Install it and put some new lube on it. Also while the window is out grab some Q-tips and try to clean any dirt out of the tracks and then put some white lithium grease in the tracks.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141781

Also what is this lightbulb under the center console for?

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141781

18psi 02-23-2014 03:05 AM

for discreet masturbation :giggle:

Jeffbucc 02-23-2014 03:17 AM


Originally Posted by 18psi (Post 1105202)
for discreet masturbation :giggle:

While I'm sure that is possible with the stock seats I can't even imagine trying to take off my pants in the race seats.:rofl:

I remember when I was driving back from AL I left some chapstick in my pocket and practically had to get out of the car just to get it out of my pocket.

richyvrlimited 02-23-2014 05:11 AM


Originally Posted by Jeffbucc (Post 1105200)

Also what is this lightbulb under the center console for?

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393141781

Ashtray light.

Jeffbucc 02-23-2014 06:04 AM

2 Attachment(s)
Forgot to do this when I put my doors on. I put the hinge pin in that keeps the door from swinging open/shut without resistance.

Problem was that I could not find all the other grey plastic washers that keep the pin from rattling around in the hole.

So I improvised and used a couple rubber grommets I had laying around. I used them for the door panels but with how I am doing them they aren't necessary now.

If it wears out I'll buy the correct plastic grommets but it is surprisingly an absolute perfect fit. 1/4" hole grommet for those that want to know. It's a bitch to get the grommet in the hole but the pin fits like a glove.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393153490

also did the door auto-unlock modification wear you bend the tab in the middle of the picture towards you about a 1/4". I tried using a coat hanger but it didn't do crap. So I used a chissel and just cammed it out. I hated that I had to lock the door after I already did so in the car.

Also yes I am fighting the urge to remove the lock assembly to clean it.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393153490

Jeffbucc 02-23-2014 08:46 AM

6 Attachment(s)
Oof, this is much harder when you are using adhesive. I tried staples but the plastic was too thin. Let's just say, you better get the fabric on perfect the first go around. I added a tiny amount of padding for comfort. thicker on the top and then gradually thinner as it goes to the bottom. It has a couple bumps here and there, but I'm going to go over it with my small rolling pin and a heat gun to compress them for a perfect roundness.

Need to do the last one tomorrow but I think I'm going to take a break.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393163184

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393163184

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393163184

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393163184

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393163184

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393163184

Jeffbucc 02-23-2014 07:56 PM

3 Attachment(s)
Well, it took a long time to finish the seatbelts and the door lever assembly. This was mostly due to the enamel red paint I used, which takes about 24 hours to cure properly before you can handle it roughly.

Most satisfying though. Looks really really nice. I put some clear packing tape over the red door lock switch so that rubbing wouldn't be an issue.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393203362

Seatbelt v2 is done now too. I had to repaint them since the first time the masking tape pulled the paint off due to laziness on my part and not sanding the part really well. Every time I rush painting I regret it.

The red looks a little rough in the photos but that is mostly due to the reflections off the high gloss. You can really only notice it if you are "looking" for it.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393203362

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393203362

turbofan 02-23-2014 11:02 PM

in for clean door lock mechanism.

Edit: ALSO... awesome job on the door sills. Looks amazing.

Jeffbucc 02-24-2014 03:18 AM

4 Attachment(s)
Maybe another time, I think the pace lately has made me a little lethargic. Didn't really do much today, just sat on the front porch and read a book for the first time in a long time; felt good.

I did finish the passenger upper card though. Much easier this time around. My mistake with the first one was applying adhesive to the padding. This time I only applied it to the edges being wrapped around and the back. Much MUCH easier.

Also put the inner and outer door latches on as well.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393229938

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393229938

Put the outer door handle on. Took me 20 minutes a side to polish the chrome corrosion off the handle. Probably didn't help I didn't have polish made for chrome, so it didn't bite as well. Some of the deeper scratches are just going to have to remain, you don't want to attack chrome too hard.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393229938

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393229938

Jeffbucc 02-24-2014 03:19 AM

2 Attachment(s)
Whoops forgot I had to do this on the drivers side. I was missing the metal rod that connects the outside door lever to the door lock latch, and had no idea where it disappeared to.

So after giving it a bit of thought I grabbed a metal coat hanger and it happened to be a perfect fit in the hole(1/8"). Super easy to do, especially with how soft the steel is in coat hangers. Easy fix.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393239613

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393239613

thasac 02-24-2014 04:22 PM

I saw 91K thread views and thought "hmmmmm"

Yup, as I suspected: NA MX5 nut-and-bolt OCD rebuild | Build Threads

-Zach

Jeffbucc 02-24-2014 06:21 PM


Originally Posted by thasac (Post 1105685)
I saw 91K thread views and thought "hmmmmm"

Yup, as I suspected: NA MX5 nut-and-bolt OCD rebuild | Build Threads

-Zach

Holy hell 91k? Well, think of it as free advertising for the site haha.

I don't take responsibility for any influx of the newbie section!

miata2fast 02-24-2014 06:34 PM

That is amazing. After looking at the site, there are some awesome builds. The fact that you made it among them is really saying something.

Jeffbucc 02-24-2014 10:06 PM

9 Attachment(s)
Finally done. That took forever! Turned out really great though. Glad I decided to cover the ABS plastic rather than leave it raw. Looks much more refined this way.

Finally read up on how to apply the vibration dampener properly. So I used a lot less this time around and placed it fairly strategically. I put an emphasis on fairly, who knows if it is effective placement or not.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393297587

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393297587

Put some felt on the back side of the ABS panels to help with noise a little. I just had some randomly lying around.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393297587

Cut the fabric to shape.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393297587

Apply adhesive to the edges and wrap it around nice and snug. I trimmed that bottom corner up so it would remain flush.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393297587

and installed! Really happy with it. The window levers were a bitch to get in since the padding was a little thicker than OEM I really had to press the door panel in hard to get it over the notch.

Thanks again Revlimiter for throwing in the door handles for me. They really look top notch.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393297587

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393297587

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393297587

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393297587

Jeffbucc 02-24-2014 10:06 PM

...

Fireindc 02-24-2014 10:38 PM

well fuck me, that really is nice looking.

Jeffbucc 02-25-2014 01:35 AM


Originally Posted by Fireindc (Post 1105823)
well fuck me, that really is nice looking.

You doubted me!;)

I was worried how it would turn out until I put the last screws on.

Sadly I forgot to put on the window sweeps on the upper door cards.:facepalm: So I need to tear it apart again.

Jeffbucc 02-25-2014 09:12 AM

6 Attachment(s)
All this...for frikin' seat belts...

Roll bar/door bars out

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393337546

segued and installed the windshield trim and hard top strikers.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393337546

Seat belts in. Should the seat belt float freely or be locked hard in place? I torqued the bolts to 35 ft lbs.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393337546

How I attached the eye-bolts for the 6 point harness. 2 thick washers and a large washer against the body to spread the load if there is an accident. Not sure if it was correct, but from reading up on it a little it is what a lot do. Question being, should I put a matching large washer on the underbody with a nut?

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393337546

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393337546

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393337546

hornetball 02-25-2014 10:41 AM

You don't really need the big washer if you are using he OEM hardpoint. Big washers and large backing plates are used when securing the harness to sheet metal. OEM hardpoint is a better way to go -- designed and tested.

Harness manufacturers usually have free instructions on their websites. Worth a read. There's a link to Scroth instructions in my red car build thread.

Sean 02-25-2014 10:58 AM

What type of fabric is that on the door panels. It looks like sued but I imagine it is fake sued really interested. I would like to do something similar with mine.

rigidbigelsworth 02-25-2014 11:36 AM

I might have missed it somewhere 200 or 300 pages ago (you are literally working faster than I have time to check in on the progress...), but are you planning on running race seats with these harnesses you want? or just stock seats?

If you are going with buckets you probably want to remove the plastic sleeve from the receiver side and route that and the seatbelt webbing through the bucket cutouts, so its not just draping over the top of the bolsters when you are using that belt around town.

If you plan to run stock seats, then just ignore me! :inout:

curly 02-25-2014 11:42 AM

The seat belt should pivot. However the roll bar stops it from pivoting as much as it should, so they usually don't retract easily. Therefore, you can pivot it up against the roll bar and tighten it down and be good to go.

Otherwise, you'll have to replicate the stock shouldered bolt somehow to allow it to pivot.

revlimiter 02-25-2014 05:38 PM

Awesome work on the center console. The bondo work is epic and the armrest came out fantastic.

Door tops - also fantastic.

Door panels: DAMN!!! Such a huge improvement from the bare ABS. Well done sir! And enjoy the door pulls.

Jeffbucc 02-25-2014 08:31 PM


Originally Posted by Sean (Post 1105940)
What type of fabric is that on the door panels. It looks like sued but I imagine it is fake sued really interested. I would like to do something similar with mine.

It is called ultrasuede. It is a synthetic suede that is essentially alcantra, just without the price tag. Much higher wear than suede, and won't fade like suede does due to sun exposure.


Originally Posted by hornetball (Post 1105935)
You don't really need the big washer if you are using he OEM hardpoint. Big washers and large backing plates are used when securing the harness to sheet metal. OEM hardpoint is a better way to go -- designed and tested.

Thanks, I was unclear on using factory seat belt locations in regards to the washers.


Originally Posted by rigidbigelsworth (Post 1105955)
are you planning on running race seats with these harnesses you want? or just stock seats?

If you are going with buckets you probably want to remove the plastic sleeve from the receiver side and route that and the seatbelt webbing through the bucket cutouts, so its not just draping over the top of the bolsters when you are using that belt around town.

We'll see on the routing, this is how they were routed when I originally bought the car and there were no problems with the seatbelt locking or riding too high on my shoulder. I'm 5' 11" so there aren't any issues with that.

I'm running Buddy Club Racing seats, ain't putting no stock seats back in this car!;) They are one of the few seats that fit with door bars installed. Although, saying that, with the new door cards in place, I could remake the door bars to give me another 1-3" of side bolster space.


Originally Posted by revlimiter (Post 1106171)
Awesome work on the center console. The bondo work is epic and the armrest came out fantastic.
Door tops - also fantastic.
Door panels: DAMN!!! Such a huge improvement from the bare ABS. Well done sir! And enjoy the door pulls.

Thanks Adam, I didn't think this would be such a big project but to do it right, and make it look right, you really have to put some effort into it as you know all to well.


Originally Posted by curly (Post 1105956)
The seat belt should pivot. However the roll bar stops it from pivoting as much as it should, so they usually don't retract easily. Therefore, you can pivot it up against the roll bar and tighten it down and be good to go.
Otherwise, you'll have to replicate the stock shouldered bolt somehow to allow it to pivot.

Maybe I'll try using the stock seatbelt spacers that I still have from the CO car. Not a huge issue. I'll probably just clock the seat belt towers to 9 o' clock and call it good.

Jeffbucc 02-26-2014 01:35 AM

1 Attachment(s)
In case anyone is wondering what the seatbelt tower spacer arrangement is on 90-93 Miata, this is the correct layout.

Thick washer
Thin washer
3 stepped spacers and then the seat belt

Whene tightening make sure you pull the seat belt up flush against the bolt head so that it doesn't get torqued down onto the spacer.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393396542

rigidbigelsworth 02-26-2014 09:17 AM

2 Attachment(s)
I was referring to the lower bolster cutout, not the shoulder ones. My first time installing buckets I forgot to route the strap through the cutout then bolt it to the body BEFORE I installed the seat, and after fighting with the trans tunnel with a big hammer, and finally getting everything to line up with my side mounts in a very tight space, I was not excited to have to remove it all to access the seat belt bolt to route it through the seat cutout at my hip.

ScottyP3821 02-26-2014 09:58 AM

Very Nice Jeff! Those doors look awesome and The amp handles look great too.

Jeffbucc 02-26-2014 09:58 AM

6 Attachment(s)
Gotcha, thanks, should be easy to do when I put the seats in.

OK that was a long night. Got the roll bar back in and the door bars. First I sprayed some rubberized undercoating on the contact point with the body since I didn't the first time around. Mostly to protect where the paint got scraped off and the drill holes. MUCH easier the second time around. Only took me an hour to put it all together.

After that I got the seat belts sorted out and went to install the trim panels and....doh! they wouldn't fit for the life of me. So after researching what Bethania Garage suggests, I came up with my own solution. I didn't want to cut the panels in half like they suggested. It looked super tacky in all the photos that I saw.

So I took the long route and installed then removed it about 20 times until I traced a pattern that would allow me to slide it in-between the roll bar and the chassis. I cut off the fastener plastic off the back of it along with the 1" tabs that slide into the body. Then I carefully used a dremmel to carve the contact point off the plastic. After that it slid right in just perfectly! In my opinion it is a pain in the ass to do, but worth it for the final result.

Passenger panel took a lot of attention to get it right.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393426739

Drivers side was much more compliant.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393426739

Then I installed the ground wires and put the rear finish panel on along with the carpet.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393426739

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393426739

And the rear carpet just laid on until I can find a solution that I am happy with.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393426739

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393426739

Glad that is over with.

Jeffbucc 02-26-2014 12:23 PM


Originally Posted by ScottyP3821 (Post 1106385)
Very Nice Jeff! Those doors look awesome and The amp handles look great too.

The handles are from Revlimiter(Adam), very cheap for how good they look. I'm so happy I went with the OEM door handle/locks inside, gives it a really clean look. The Porsche RS pull straps just didn't look as clean IMHO. Maybe if I could have found a good metal trim ring for the base of the strap, but that just costs more money!


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